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Woman kept in Lenexa apartment faces ex-boyfriend in court

Anthony Allen faces up to 50 years in prison if convicted of all charges

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Updated: 7:25 PM CDT Aug 13, 2015

A woman who police say was raped, beaten and trapped inside her own apartment for months faced her violent ex-boyfriend in court Thursday.

Woman kept in Lenexa apartment faces ex-boyfriend in court

Anthony Allen faces up to 50 years in prison if convicted of all charges

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Updated: 7:25 PM CDT Aug 13, 2015

LENEXA, Kan. —

A woman who police say was raped, beaten and trapped inside her own apartment for months faced her violent ex-boyfriend in court Thursday.

A court affidavit spells out the ordeal that the accuser said happened to her at the hands of Anthony Allen.

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The woman said Allen raped, struck, threatened and imprisoned her in her apartment, leaving her too afraid to reach out for help.

According to court documents, Allen first abused the woman in Minnesota. She pressed charges and Allen was arrested and placed on probation. According to court documents, when the woman moved to Lenexa, Allen tracked her down.

Domestic violence experts said they’re heartbroken, but not surprised to learn the allegations spelled out in the case. Court documents said Allen controlled the woman’s cellphone, limited her family contact, kept a box cutter with him and threatened to snap her neck, creating a psychological prison that kept her trapped.

“How does anyone ever find the courage to break free from that and leave?” said domestic violence expert Amanda Siebold.

She said it is especially devastating when a woman moves so far away to keep herself safe, only to find that it doesn’t work.

The woman’s imprisonment ended when she slipped a note for help in with her rent payment. Police and a maintenance worker staged a dramatic rescue.

Allen, who faces up to 50 years in prison if convicted on all charges, was emotionless during the hearing.The woman appeared visibly frightened and asked for security to walk her out, even though Allen remains in jail.

Police said Allen left a note for the victim in her apartment. It said, “I will always love you. I’m so sorry. Goodbye. I will see you in heaven.”

For more information about the red flags and warning signs of domestic violence, visit this website.

To get help right away, call the Rose Brooks Center's hotline at 816-861-6100 or visit its website for more information.